Check-in first, or all-in-one?
Gymdesk and ZipTempo both serve small gyms, martial arts schools, and boutique studios. Gymdesk is a full management platform with billing and a website. ZipTempo focuses on the door: QR check-in, members, classes, and a live dashboard at a lower monthly cost.
The short version
Gymdesk is the most direct competitor. It includes Front Desk Mode for kiosk check-in, QR and barcode scanning, class scheduling, and unlimited staff on every plan. It goes further with payments, digital waivers, and a responsive gym website. ZipTempo now matches it on member self-booking, with a member app on your own address. It fits best when you bill elsewhere (or in cash) and prefer a flat $15–30/mo with unlimited members instead of $75–200/mo tied to active count.
ZipTempo vs Gymdesk at a glance
| Feature | ZipTempo | Gymdesk |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $15/mo Individual, $30/mo Gym (unlimited members) | $75/mo (up to 50 members), $100/mo (51–100), scales up |
| Pricing model | Flat monthly by plan; unlimited members | By active member count |
| QR check-in | Camera scan; printed codes or Apple/Google Wallet | QR/barcode via tablet, phone, or USB scanner |
| Kiosk / front desk mode | PIN-protected kiosk mode in any browser | Front Desk Mode for self-service check-in |
| Member management | Profiles, photos, status, plans and passes with payment tracking, visit history | Profiles, attendance history, CRM for prospects |
| Class scheduling | Staff or member self-booking, waitlists, attendance via check-in scan | Scheduling plus member online booking |
| Staff accounts & roles | 1 account (Individual) or unlimited with roles (Gym) | Unlimited staff on every plan |
| Wallet passes | Apple Wallet and Google Wallet passes | Mobile barcode; no native wallet pass |
| Payment processing | Not included (track per-visit amounts optionally) | Built-in billing and payment processing |
| Member app & self-booking | Member app with self-booking, waitlists, and a wallet pass | Member portal with online booking and sign-up |
| Gym website | Not included | Responsive gym website included |
| Best for | Owner-operators who want the door handled without switching billing | Gyms that want one platform for payments, website, and operations |
Prices reflect published US plans as of 2026. Gymdesk counts active members toward tier pricing; frozen and cancelled members do not count.
Which one fits better?
Choose ZipTempo if…
- Check-in speed and a tidy front desk matter most, and you bill members outside the software.
- You want unlimited members at $15–30/mo instead of pricing that rises with headcount.
- Members should get a self-booking member app on a link, with no app store download.
Choose Gymdesk if…
- You need automated billing, payment collection, and digital waivers in the same tool.
- A gym website with online sign-up is on your must-have list.
- Members should buy memberships and manage billing online themselves.
Gymdesk comparison questions
Can I switch from Gymdesk to ZipTempo?
Yes. Export your member list from Gymdesk and import it into ZipTempo. Most gyms can be scanning members the same afternoon they switch.
Does ZipTempo include a gym website like Gymdesk?
No. ZipTempo is front-desk software. If you need a public website with online sign-up, keep that separate or stay on Gymdesk.
Is Gymdesk cheaper for very small gyms?
Gymdesk offers a limited free tier for up to 15 members. Above that, paid plans start at $75/mo. ZipTempo is $15/mo with unlimited members and a 30-day free trial.
More comparisons
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